Changes

Religion can be an important aspect in athletes’ lives and may serve a protective function against psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors such as substance use or aggression (Storch, Roberti, Bravata, & Storch, 2004). Viewers of sporting events can frequently observe athletes pointing to the sky, engaging in team prayer on the court or field, and glorifying God following athletic competitions.<ref>[http://www.thesportjournal.org/article/strength-religious-faith-athletes-and-nonathletes-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref>}}

Religion can be an important aspect in athletes’ lives and may serve a protective function against psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors such as substance use or aggression (Storch, Roberti, Bravata, & Storch, 2004). Viewers of sporting events can frequently observe athletes pointing to the sky, engaging in team prayer on the court or field, and glorifying God following athletic competitions.<ref>[http://www.thesportjournal.org/article/strength-religious-faith-athletes-and-nonathletes-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref>}}

=== Atheism and sports performance ===

=== Atheism, sports performance and mental fitness ===

Besides lacking the aforementioned benefits that religion bestows on athletes, [[atheism|atheists]] have higher rates of depression and suicide than the religious (see: [[Atheism and health]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and suicide]]).  This suggests that atheism is a detriment to sports performance.

Besides lacking the aforementioned benefits that religion bestows on athletes, [[atheism|atheists]] have higher rates of depression and suicide than the religious (see: [[Atheism and health]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and suicide]]).  This suggests that atheism is a detriment to sports performance.